Official 2018 World Cup/Soccer/Futbol Thread

[Freak Out]

Glad that England, Sweden and Belgium all won. If Neymar gets mugged all game long and it's allowed Brazil is done.

[Joemailman]

Will Harry Kane be knighted if England wins it all?

[Freak Out]

Argentina is a mess.

[Joemailman]

Argentina is a mess.

Unbelievable. Gave up a bad goal, and then I didn't understand pulling Aguero at 55'. Even if they beat Nigeria, they'll need help.

[Joemailman]

Nigeria beat Iceland, so Argentina is still alive. They'll need to beat Nigeria, and hope Iceland doesn't beat Croatia.

[Joemailman]

Where is Wootah?

[pbmax]

Did anyone else think the first yellow for that Russian kid was a little ticky tack?

He was completely overmatched, but the first one was the least offensive grab in a match full of pushing.

Did not mind the result too much, match was fun and Uruguay are fun to watch.

[Joemailman]

Argentina advances, but barely. Needed a goal in 86' to put away Nigeria. A handball by Argentina that would have resulted in a penalty kick was ruled unintentional. They will play France.

[hoosier]

The argentinos still don't seem to know quite what to do with Messi. Leaving him the center with four guys surrounding him at all times. Nobody else on the team is capable of creating much of anything, and they all sort of stand around waiting for the 4x-ed teammate to do something. At least they changed goalies. But they still look lethargic and purposeless. No way do they get by France.

[Joemailman]

WTF Germany?

[Joemailman]

Brazil, Mexico and Belgium all in one bracket should be interesting.

Spain/England semifinal matchup could happen.

Is England too dependent on Harry Kane?

[wootah]

With the USA embarrassingly not a qualifier, I will be cheering for the country of my ancestors, Germany.

With that streak going on, please don't start cheering for Belgium

i think i said it last world cup, but every time i finally get to see messi play on TV he does nothing

I agree that Argentina has been poor in all 3 games. Seemingly without a plan which is inconceivable to me with a coach like Sampaoli. He's one of the greatest football tacticians of our generations but looks (and behaves) outclassed on the sidelines.

However... THIS: (!!!!!)



I can look at this thing forever and still cannot believe it. This is SO extremely good, it's hard to fathom a human can do something technically & tactically so difficult in such a short timespan.

In a matter of 1 second he decides/does so much. First the control of the pass of +-35meters with his thigh in a full sprint. Direction & speed of the ball after the 1st touch are perfect so that Messi doesn't even have to break stride. Then instead of going inside for his stronger left foot with his next touch what he normally does (you see the split second the defender slows down because he expect Messi to go for his left), without the ball touching the ground, still in sprint, he uses the 2nd touch to accelerate & to pass his opponent. Afterwards clinical finishing obviously, but those 2 touches before that... The best I've seen this WC and I will be surprised to have it topped. I've been in the sport for +30years, played it, am coaching it, spend a lot of free time studying it. Believe me, this is not something humans can do.

Messi is the Arod of football.

Other impressive touches:

Musa's goal


Notice how he hits the ball with the "dropkick" technique, meaning right at the moment it bounces from the ground. Technically very difficult, but when done right, it allows you to put a lot of power in your shot.

And let's not forget the impressive celebration of our very own Batshuayi yesterday

What a hero.

Where is Wootah?

Busy times, my friend: 3 little ones at home between 4 years & 4 months old, lots of traveling for the job and the preparation for the new soccer season ongoing. It seems the Packers will have to be put a bit on the backburner for the time being.
Been following my country closely on the WC also. Looking good, however I didn't like how the discussions are already about the Quarter Finals against Brasil instead of the next round against Japan. Not a good sign IMO.

But I'll try to check this thread a bit during the WC!

[Joemailman]

Haven't had a chance to see Belgium or Brazil yet. Of the teams I've seen, I actually thought Croatia was the most impressive. From what I've been reading and hearing though, it sounds like Brazil might be getting better at exactly the right time.

[red]

well, mbappe is the breakout star of this cup, he dominated today

and once again messi crashes out after scoring a single goal in the tourney

at this point, c. ronaldo >>>>>>>messi

[red]

and ronaldo does nothing

best 2 players are out